Origin

Family

Black Tom was born in Dublin. He is the cousin of Sean Cassidy, the Banshee, a member of the X-Men. He was also once the only friend of the Juggernaut.

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On a mission in San Francisco with Juggernaut and Theresa (now under the codename Siryn), Tom encountered and fought the original Spider-Woman, along with several of the X-Men. This conflict ended in Black Tom's temporary capture. While in custody, Black Tom exonerated Theresa of responsibility for her crimes and wrote a letter to Sean explaining who she was.The X-Men brought Theresa back to their headquarters, where she was joyfully reunited with her father.

Tom next sent the Juggernaut to abduct Madame Web, observing Juggernaut's battle with Spider-Man from afar. Black Tom was briefly endowed with half the powers of Juggernaut by the Ruby of Cyttorak. He then teamed with Juggernaut against Spider-Man and the X-Men.

Black Tom next took Gideon and Sunspot hostage on behalf of Arianna Jankos. He used an interdimensional teleporter to return the Juggernaut to Earth. He then battled Siryn and her teammates in X-Force. Cable shot Tom, and Deadpool took Tom to Mr. Tolliver.

"Plant-Man"

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Brotherhood

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After M-Day, Black Tom woke up as a human again, losing his secondary mutation but possibly still retaining his old powers, along with his sanity. The organization Black Air hired Tom to attack the new incarnation of Excalibur, of which Juggernaut was now a member. Though he easily defeated the others, Juggernaut confronted his former friend and convinced him to turn himself in for the death of Sammy, saying "He was a kid, Tom. An' you an' me, for all our faults, we used ta be better than that." Tom also showed remorse for killing the child, "That wasn't me, Cain, you know that. I wasn't in my right mind... You've got to understand... that mad life, before... it was like some dream."

Powers

Originally, his principal power was Bio-Organic Thermokinetic Blasts, generating concussive blasts of force through any wooden medium. He typically carries a shillelagh, a traditional Irish wooden fighting stick. He is immune to Banshee's sonic powers, and Banshee is immune to his blast power.

Former Powers

Planet Growth: Cassidy could grow to immense size

Superhuman Strength

Healing Factor: regenerate damaged or destroyed body parts with great speed.

Chlorokinesis: He could also mentally control all plant life within his vicinity

Planet Consciousness: distribute his consciousness amongst plants he controls.

Life-Force Absorption: Cassidy could drain the life force of organic beings.

After M-Day, in which most mutants lost their powers, he lost his alterations and his human form was restored, though he still retains his original abilities.

Characteristics

Height: (currently) 6'0"; (formerly) Variable
Weight: (currently) 200 lbs.; (formerly) Variable

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Black

Unusual Features: Up until recently, he was made up out of plant matter.